Australia has its first paddock-to-bottle rum distillery

WITH its sun, surf, scenery and abundance of quality produce, the beautiful New South Wales North Coast is a veritable crowd pleaser.

However, continue north past the popular Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, and there's a slew of new restaurants, bars and hidden gems popping up in lesser-known coastal towns.

Pottsville has Ben Devlin's new restaurant Pippit, Cabarita has award-winning hotel Halcyon House and its restaurant Paper Daisy and Kingscliff has Farm & Co, Taverna and Bombay Cricketers Club.

The latest gem in the region is the Husk Farm Distillery, Australia’s first paddock-to-bottle rum distillery and home of the much-loved, indigo-hued Ink Gin.

Located on a family-owned 60-hectare farm in the sleepy country town of Tumbulgum, the property boasts 12 hectares of uncleared, remnant rainforest and views across the valley to Mount Warning.

Visitors can do a guided tour of the distillery and learn the art of creating the boutique rum, which is made from freshly crushed sugar cane juice sourced from sugar cane on the property, instead of molasses, as well as Ink Gin.

There's a lively cellar door, cocktail bar, Planter’s café and spawling grass lawn where guests can play lawn games or simply kick back on a blanket with a tipple in hand and take in the beautiful surroundings and faultless hospitality of the Messenger family and their warm, attentive staff.

Amy MillsAn experienced journalist and travel writer, WHO's Travel Editor has a particular interest in wellness and immersive travel and enjoys sharing must-visit secret spots from her adventures around the world with her two little boys in tow.